Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Akshat During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Akshat I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
Elara Vance is a dedicated MapleStory enthusiast and gaming writer, known for creating in-depth guides and staying updated on game mechanics.
